iFiMicro iPhono3 Black Label Phonostage/Preamplifier Compatible with MM and MC Cartridges - Turntable/Home Theater System Audio Upgrade

I've been looking for a phono stage that would be able to replace my Mani, not cost the earth but still have performance and options to match with a few moving coils I own. The dip switches are a little fiddly and non intuitive and I'd recommend using the ifi calculator to dial in cartridge loading as the accompanying leaflet was not that helpful. Once you figure it out though the step up in audio quality is significant over an entry level stage like the Mani. Imaging becomes that much more precise and there's also a lot more detail, but this is not a warm sounding phono stage so some care with cartridge matching might produce best results. Fortunately for me the Benz Micro Zebra is a great match, its understated matter of factness being perfectly balanced by the by the the crispness and punch of the ifi. Highly recommended but steer away from it if "vinyl warmth" is your top priority.

I’m 75 years old and although I believe my hearing is quite good it can’t be as good as when I was younger. Still I heard a very noticeable difference when I used this iFi iPhono 3. Before I bought this I thought I would probably not hear any difference between this and the one built into my Yamaha a-s2100 amp. I was pleasantly surprised. It delivered what I had hoped for. The soundstage was not only wider but it was also deeper. The highs were clear without being harsh. And the bass was full and clear. Not muddy. I’m not saying the difference was like night and day but it was very noticeable to me. Quite happy I bought it.

I ordered my phone preamp from iFi on Feb 11 and it arrived 2 days later......well sort of. I only received one box, they forgot to send the power supply (you would think the manufacture would know the power supply came in a seperate box). I contacted iFi and they said they would send one. It arrived 10 days later on Feb 23rd. I connected everything up and nothing, no sound from my MM cartridge. I then tried the MC input and it did work. Not good, unit was DOA. I have read other similar similar problems on the relibility of the previous model, but thought they had them fixed. Tried to return for another and got a message saying it could not be done. Giving up at this point on iFi and will do some research on other brand preamps. Hope other have better luck.

Ifi sent with no power supply. Just beyond stupid. Don’t buy.Edit: iFi responded two days later. They are apparently aware of the power supply issue. I note a fellow reviewer had the same issue TWO YEARS AGO.And this product costs $1000. Gee whiz.They are shipping me the power supply. I will review the preamp objectively on receip. But golly iFi, not buying any other products with such a contempt for customers.Edit 2: finally received the power supply after a bizarre two week back and forth with iFi’s customer service.The preamp is good and worth the money. Imaging and tone across the spectrum is very nice.I note as a final dagger that this preamp is on sale days after I bought it. Consider the vendor you buy it from….Preamp is 5 stars. Customer service is zero stars. Will not buy anything further from iFi.

Fantastic phono stage for the money. Tested it against my Manley Chinook and it held its own! Wonderful dynamics, immersive soundstage, and pinpoint imaging. Tiny dip switches were a bit of a challenge but a pair of 2.5x readers solved the problem. Its been in my system for several weeks and I have not felt a need to switch back to the Manley.As crazy as it might seem, this tiny giant killer is right at home with my Sota Cosmos + SME 345 arm, LOMC Kiseki Blue Silver Spot cartridge, Klyne preamp, and Manley Neoclassic 250 monoblocks.

The iFi iPhono3 is a definite improvement over the IPhono 2. It is extremely quiet and has very good sound staging. The unit arrived faster than expected (next day) from Mount Rose Music.

Customer is pissed of 'cause power supply was not included. I take this as a surmountable oversight. Ifi does not deserve a bad review for this. I tell you why: iFi makes manufactures the most advanced, highest quality equipment at a very reasonable price. Sonically, I would give them the highest marks. As far as service is concerned, I submitted a question to X and I received a very quick and friendly response. I would buy equipment from Ifi, and I have, eyes closed! There's no other audiophile hi fi company that I trust with any piece of equipment ranging from their power supplies to their major equipment. Their DAc and Phono pre are top notch, reliable, neutral, teeming with only the best quality parts, and, in my experience, they do take care of their customers promptly and efficiently. Customer needs to stop wining about a minor bump and instead appreciate one of the select Hi Fi companies that puts a smile on your face and cash in your pocket!